iPhone iOS 6 turn by turn is quite slick

[cyks]

So...what does Waze not have that you want?

I only mentioned Waze as an example. You said you never saw features, I pointed to a free one.

If turn by turn is what you need and you're not complaining about maps integration with other apps, why not just use Waze? It's free, has night mode, voice commands, poi's, traffic...etc...

Oh, I'm certainly complaining about the actual maps and its integration, but this thread isn't about the data. It's about the turn by turn and I can't see calling something that is lacking numerous basic features 'slick.'

 

[MozMan68]

I only mentioned Waze as an example. You said you never saw features, I pointed to a free one.



Oh, I'm certainly complaining about the actual maps and its integration, but this thread isn't about the data. It's about the turn by turn and I can't see calling something that is lacking numerous basic features 'slick.'

Basic features according to you...like most things Apple does, they are providing the features that the vast majority of users will utilize while keeping it simple.

Even Waze requires one to go into settings to change not day or night mode. Entering poi's is more cumbersome than any standard standalone GPS.

Maps utilizes Siri (a slick interface) to get you where you want to go....at least it has for me...considering the old Google version didn't provide any of the items you mentioned or even the basic ones I have, I'm not sure what they could offer to make you happy.

 

[cyks]

Basic features according to you...like most things Apple does, they are providing the features that the vast majority of users will utilize while keeping it simple.

Now you're making assumptions and giving Apple yet another excuse. Multiple stops and night mode are most certainly basic features found on practically every stand alone GPS or app.

Even Waze requires one to go into settings to change not day or night mode. Entering poi's is more cumbersome than any standard standalone GPS.

No, there's a setting for auto night mode and an easy option to turn it to day or night manually.

I never said Waze was perfect. I used it as just one example of an app that had basic features you hadn't before seen. Yes, in some regards its cumbersome, but it also shows you all the gas stations and current prices- so you gain some and lose some.

The difference is that Apple did say that their offering was the best and it isn't.

Maps utilizes Siri (a slick interface) to get you where you want to go....at least it has for me...considering the old Google version didn't provide any of the items you mentioned or even the basic ones I have, I'm not sure what they could offer to make you happy.

The old Google ones had accurate addresses in my area. To make me happy would requiring they use accurate data and allow me to use the features that were crippled.

For that reason alone I would gladly return to iOS5 if it were a possibility.

This thread is about the navigation though and, even if the data was perfect, there would still be multiple areas where it could be improved.

I don't see the reason why you feel the need to (once again) compare and constantly defend Apple's offering.

 

[viewfly]

Waze, MapQuest, my Garman device or Google maps for iOS don't cut it for live updated 3D vector rendering of city buildings while being routed in the city. I find city driving the most challenging for GPS: turns come up fast and traffic is real. There is no need to view traffic on a map. People and cars are right there.

Road signs are large and readable. The 'tunnel' affect of 3D buildings helps me quickly confirm turns coming up.

This is why I'm finding Apple's interface slick.

 

[MozMan68]

Now you're making assumptions and giving Apple yet another excuse. Multiple stops and night mode are most certainly basic features found on practically every stand alone GPS or app.




No, there's a setting for auto night mode and an easy option to turn it to day or night manually.

I never said Waze was perfect. I used it as just one example of an app that had basic features you hadn't before seen. Yes, in some regards its cumbersome, but it also shows you all the gas stations and current prices- so you gain some and lose some.

The difference is that Apple did say that their offering was the best and it isn't.




The old Google ones had accurate addresses in my area. To make me happy would requiring they use accurate data and allow me to use the features that were crippled.

For that reason alone I would gladly return to iOS5 if it were a possibility.

This thread is about the navigation though and, even if the data was perfect, there would still be multiple areas where it could be improved.

I don't see the reason why you feel the need to (once again) compare and constantly defend Apple's offering.

I love how you take my one key CORRECT statement about Google Maps on iOS NOT having any of the features and again turn it into a "yeah, but the addresses aren't correct in my area" excuse. What thread are we in again.

You are correct about the Waze auto night mode...I actually had it turned on and guess I forgot about it...I wonder why? Oh that's right, it doesn't work and I've only ever seen the day view even when it is pitch black outside. Maybe I'll start a "Waze is a disaster" thread...

Just accept the fact that Apple isn't doing anything they haven't done before...they simplified the GPS process to address what 99% of the users are using it for; to get from ONE place to another. It's a phone first and foremost. I don't want it running turn by turn mode in my pocket simply because I have stopped for lunch somewhere.

Gas prices may be a key feature for you, but again, I'm betting close to 99.99% of users could care less. If they did, that would be a major feature on ALL GPS units, yet you have to get a specialized app to either get just that or have it as a hard to access feature on another one.

Apple always says everything they introduce is the greatest...shame on you for setting your expectations so high. You might as well start complaining that the screen isn't big enough, how there are no live widgets, the UI is dated, etc...

 

[zzyzx]

I just used it to get from Worcester to Logan airport yesterday. All was well until it wanted me to take 95 North. *laughing* Luckily I knew I just had to stay on the Mass Pike and it would take me straight there. I shudder to think of where it was trying to take me.

I just searched Worcester to Logan Airport boston and it gave 3 options, none of which used I-95 at all. I'm curious what you searched for.

 

[Brazuca]

I am loving Apple's TbT app, especially the integration with Siri. Doing it all by voice is wonderful, though I can see how heavier users would need a more robust search feature to really get it working (what is the point of a great TbT app if it can't find your destination).

Back OT, the one feature I really miss is the ability to ask it to repeat an instructions. I often miss what Siri has said (which exit again?) and it is too hard to read the small text under the distance to go sign. I would like to be able to ask or double tap (or something) to get Siri to repeat the instructions.

This is the main problem, IMHO.

 

[MozMan68]

One thing I was thinking of driving between offices so far today (and using Waze just for the heck of it), is what Cyks was saying about features.

Most of the complaints (outside of incorrect data/poi) deal with so called "missing features" that anyone would expect a GPS unit to have...and to Cyks's point, even free apps that are out there.

Again, removing any current data issues, I agree more and more with Apple's approach to provide a very simple, voice activated app that is free of visual distractions and is there to simply provide directions from one place to another.

Sure...would be nice to see traffic or road info in a higher 3D view like Waze does...but that's why I may choose to use Waze. Or buy a dedicated GPS unit for that matter.

If I rely that heavily on GPS with traffic data and gas prices, maybe Apple Maps isn't for me...but I bet it is more than enough for the vast majority out there that may use it.

I'm more concerned with included features not working well now or "basic" features (like auto night/day mode) that seem to be so basic, it is a wonder why they aren't included...especially since it makes the info shown clearer.

The comparison to the Android/Apple UI debate is a pretty good one IMHO.

 

[viewfly]

I just used it to get from Worcester to Logan airport yesterday. All was well until it wanted me to take 95 North. *laughing* Luckily I knew I just had to stay on the Mass Pike and it would take me straight there. I shudder to think of where it was trying to take me.

I just searched Worcester to Logan Airport boston and it gave 3 options, none of which used I-95 at all. I'm curious what you searched for.

I don't know maliu. I agree with zzyzx....I just searched Worcester to Logan airport too. Gave me 3 routes, all that used the Mass Pike (I90). NONE used I-95.

Not sure I believe you...

 

[phillytim]

It's great, I totally agree! Used it the first weekend it was available.

It's ultra-cool to have Siri as my co-pilot!!!!

 

[viewfly]

This is what I'm talking about. I thought to post for those may never be in a city to experience this.

 

[Joesmith13245]

When I start typing Logan it provides "Logan Airport" as an option. I select this and it gives me directions from Worcester to Logan-Cache Airport, Airport Rd, Logan, UT 84321, United States.

Anyone else get this?

Update: had to type Logan airport Boston. Then it worked.

 

[hokiepokie07]

I use the new Apple Maps every day here in Florida for hundreds of different locations, as of today It hasn't take me to any wrong places... and yes! I know that it's happening and that Apple F***up badly, but the bugs are not everywhere, here in FL it works excellent and the turn by turn feature works amazing as well. I also have installed TOMTOM USA as a backup navigator in the case I end up with mistakes. This map app is new and with the time it will just get better and better, ya'll see

How much data do you see it consuming?

 

[MozMan68]

How much data do you see it consuming?

It doesn't use squat....and I'm usually downloading directions or have it on after I have left a wifi zone.

Same seems to be true for Waze. No discernible difference between the two from a data usage standpoint.

 

[BSben]

I used it quite a few times now, and it was quite impressive.
However as there are loads of places in the UK where Apple Maps is useless for the time being.

 

[rocknblogger]

Except, in many ways, the foundation isn't very good either.

There have been ample complaints of the UI not being easily readable due to the low contrast and various road sizes not being differentiated enough.

While navigating, you can't view traffic unless you change screens, moving/ rotating/ zooming the map is extremely limited, there is no nighttime mode, and, best I can tell, there's no way to add stops or search for locations along your travel path.

Even after they get the map issues completely sorted out, there are plenty of other features that their competitors have had for years that they would still need to implement.

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...unless you rely on maps for walking or public transportation.

100% correct on all points. Whenever we go somewhere I use turn by turn just to see if its going to be correct and to see if it shows any POI along the way. So far the directions are okay but it shows zero POI. When I use TomTom it shows almost every business, gas station, restaurant or hotel along the way. As for traffic, I could not find a way to see it. In TomTom and Navigon you can see the traffic report with a single tap.

It really is going to take years for Apple maps to get anywhere near the competition.

 

[Firefight]

100% correct on all points. Whenever we go somewhere I use turn by turn just to see if its going to be correct and to see if it shows any POI along the way. So far the directions are okay but it shows zero POI. When I use TomTom it shows almost every business, gas station, restaurant or hotel along the way. As for traffic, I could not find a way to see it. In TomTom and Navigon you can see the traffic report with a single tap.

It really is going to take years for Apple maps to get anywhere near the competition.

You see traffic by flipping the page at bottom right and going Show Traffic

 

[MozMan68]

You see traffic by flipping the page at bottom right and going Show Traffic

I think he is talking about during turn by turn.

Just tap the screen and select overview on the upper right. This will switch the view to satellite view which shows traffic lines.

 

[viewfly]

I used it quite a few times now, and it was quite impressive.
However as there are loads of places in the UK where Apple Maps is useless for the time being.

I've read that maps is really off in the UK. I guess Apple is unhappy with that Samsung court decision. . JK of course.

 

[Bcarraher]

I clearly stated you don't have to switch views...just navigate in the overview mode. Lets you zoom in or out as far as you want...shows traffic coming up...Siri still announces turns...turn notifications come up on the top of the screen.

I think it would be a big improvement to offer auto-rerouting based upon traffic as is available in several other navigation apps.

 

[MozMan68]

I think it would be a big improvement to offer auto-rerouting based upon traffic as is available in several other navigation apps.

I think that kind of stuff will eventually come out.

I've been using Waze for daily commuting after I confirmed Apple Maps gave me the correct directions.

I never really cared about traffic before as there really is next to none in my area, but I enjoy the notifications of cars on the side of the road, cops, traffic or slow downs (if there are any).

 

[MozMan68]

Just spent the morning in Minneapolis. Have been here a hundred times, but only as a layover in the airport. Never drove around here at all.

Turn by turn got me perfectly from airport to work, work to lunch and lunch back to airport. All different roads.

Couple of issues that I'll chalk up to human error...I mapped the directions from the airport to the first address, but didn't do it from "current location". Gave me turn by turn, but not self running with Siri. I guess you have to do it from current location? Not sure...was in the car and didn't want to mess around with it while driving.

When I told Siri I wanted to go to "Minneapolis Airport" I picked the wrong address of the three given. Still got me there, but I should have either picked the terminal or simply said National Car Rental. Both came up with the proper exit.

On to Washington DC.

 

[Brazuca]

I think it would be a big improvement to offer auto-rerouting based upon traffic as is available in several other navigation apps.

It does this already.

Got me around a huge jam in the highway by rerouting me to through the local street. It may be disconcerting since it doesn't tell you "I'm routing you around traffic". It just gives you a route.

 

[nsayer]

Some missing features

I am not 100% convinced that Apple's app's ability to avoid traffic is as good as it should be.

It will show you several route combinations with estimated times at the start, but I have yet to get any indication that it checks for changing traffic conditions en-route to see if a detour would be better.

I also wish that one could make the default view for the app when it's not navigating be similar to the view when it is - that is, put the direction of travel at the top of the window and use the 3D view. As long as you're moving, your course is easy to obtain and far, far more accurate than the stupid compass (which, from my experience, is accurate to within roughly 90 degrees).

 

[PNutts]

I just used the turn-by-turn directions for the first time this week and they are amazing. Puts Garmin on iOS to shame.